willy-nilly
Meaning: Whether one wants it or not; also, in a disorganized way.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Willy-nilly, every student had to learn the poem by heart.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A worn-down form of the Old English "will he, nill he," meaning "whether he wants to or not" ("nill" being the old negative of "will"). It is recorded in this form from the 17th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- Spanish: de grado o por fuerza — literally: of grace or by force
More idioms — Daily Life
- make oneself scarce — To leave quickly, or to keep out of the way.
- no holds barred — With no rules or restraints.
- jump at the chance — To accept an opportunity eagerly and at once.
- a matter of life and death — Something of the greatest possible seriousness.
- rough and ready — Crude but good enough for the purpose.
- keep up appearances — To behave as if nothing is wrong, to protect one's reputation.
More English idioms
- one's heart sinks — To feel sudden disappointment or dread.
- shoulder to shoulder — Side by side, working together.
- grow like wildfire — To spread very fast.
- at the stroke of a pen — By one quick official decision.
- not on your life — Absolutely not.
- tread carefully — To act with great caution in a delicate situation.
From our compliments & insults
- Es un/una pesado/a — A dreadful bore — their company feels like carrying extra weight.
- Más terco/a que una mula — Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
- Pareces un pulpo en un garaje — You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…